PA UC appeal hearing response timeframe - still waiting after 2 weeks
Hey everyone, I had my appeal hearing for PA unemployment benefits on March 10th (over phone) and I'm still waiting for a decision. The referee said it could take a few weeks but didn't give an exact timeframe. It's been 2 weeks now and I'm getting anxious since my bills are piling up. Anyone know how long it typically takes to get a determination after an appeal hearing in PA? I keep checking my dashboard but nothing has changed. Should I call or just keep waiting?
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GalaxyGlider
I went through an appeal last year and it took exactly 21 days (3 weeks) to get my decision. The referee is supposed to issue a decision within 14 days after the hearing, but they're usually backed up. I'd give it another week before you start worrying. Make sure you're checking both your online portal AND your physical mail - sometimes they only send the determination by mail and don't update the portal right away.
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Jamal Harris
•Thanks for sharing your experience. That's a relief to hear! I've been obsessively checking my mailbox too. Do you remember if they called you or just sent the determination in writing?
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Mei Wong
mine took 5 weeks lol dont hold ur breath
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Liam Sullivan
•This is incorrect information. While delays do happen, 5 weeks is not the norm. PA UC referees are required by law to issue decisions within 14 days, though the current backlog sometimes extends this to 3-4 weeks. If you're waiting longer than 4 weeks, there might be an issue with your case that needs attention.
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Amara Okafor
UGH the waiting is THE WORST part! I had my hearing back in January and waited for almost a MONTH before getting my decision! The system is so broken and nobody gives you any real information. I called like 10 times and couldn't get through to anyone who could help! Finally got my determination letter and I won my appeal but then it took ANOTHER 2 weeks for them to actually pay me the back benefits. So prepare yourself for more waiting even after you get the decision letter!!!
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Jamal Harris
•Oh no, that sounds awful! Did you do anything special to finally get through to someone? I've been trying to call but just get the busy signal over and over.
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Giovanni Colombo
I had appeal hearing 2 months ago. I got my answer in mail after 18 days. My friend got his in 2 weeks. I think it depend on how complicated your case is.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Yeah this makes sense. My neighbor had the same thing happen with different timeframes. Also matters if employer contests the appeal too I think.
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StarStrider
I understand your frustration with trying to reach PA UC. After trying for days with no luck, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The agent told me that appeal decisions are taking 15-21 days right now, but they could check if there were any notes on my specific case. Might be worth trying if you're desperate to know what's happening with your claim.
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Jamal Harris
•Thanks for the tip! I might give that a try if I don't hear anything by the end of this week. Did they actually have access to see details about your appeal status when you called?
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Liam Sullivan
PA Unemployment Compensation Appeals generally follow these timeframes: 1. The referee should issue a decision within 14 calendar days after your hearing 2. However, the current average wait time is 18-21 days due to high volume 3. If your case involves multiple issues or witnesses, it may take longer 4. The decision will be mailed to you, and eventually posted to your dashboard If it's been more than 21 days, you can call the UC Service Center at 888-313-7284 or the UC Appeals office that handled your hearing (the phone number should be on your hearing notice). Just be prepared for a long wait time to speak with someone. If your appeal is successful, any eligible back payments will be released within 2-3 business days after the decision is processed.
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Jamal Harris
•Thank you for such detailed information! This really helps me understand the timeline better. Tomorrow will be day 15, so I guess I shouldn't panic yet. The hearing seemed to go well, but this waiting is really stressful.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
my cousin had one of these hearings and the lady said 10 days but it took a month lol. good luck
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GalaxyGlider
•This is why it's important to have a financial backup plan during appeals. The system is unpredictable at best. @original poster, if your financial situation is dire while waiting, you might want to look into local emergency assistance programs through PA 211.
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Mei Wong
anybody else notice they always seem to rule against the claimant? whole system is rigged if u ask me
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Liam Sullivan
•This is factually incorrect. PA UC appeal statistics show that approximately 45-50% of claimant appeals are successful. The outcome depends entirely on the facts of your case and whether you meet the eligibility requirements under PA law. It's important not to spread misinformation that might discourage people from pursuing valid appeals.
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Jamal Harris
Update: Just wanted to let everyone know I finally got my determination letter in the mail today! It took exactly 17 days after the hearing. The referee ruled in my favor! Now I'm just waiting for the payments to hit my account. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!
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GalaxyGlider
•Congratulations! That's fantastic news. The payments should process within 2-3 business days if there are no other issues on your claim. Be sure to continue filing your weekly certifications while you wait for payment.
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